Contact Information

Emily Niemeyer

Professor of Chemistry

Education

PhD, State University of New York at Buffalo 1998BS, Ohio Northern University 1993

Research

My research over the past several years has
focused on understanding how macronutrient fertilization affects the production
of polyphenolic compounds in the popular culinary herb Ocimum basilicum L. (basil). We have examined the impact of both nitrogen and potassium fertilization
on polyphenolic levels and antioxidant activities in three basil cultivars: Dark
Opal, Genovese, and Sweet Thai. We also recently completed a project to determine how cultivar impacts polyphenol production and antioxidant properties in basil. My research students are currently using mass spectrometry to identify phenolics in purple anthocyanin-containing basil cultivars as well as in other herbs in the Lamiaceae family such as lavender and lemon balm.

Professional Work

Teaching positions:

Herbert and Kate Dishman Chair in Science (2013-present)

Professor of Chemistry (2009-present)

Associate Professor of Chemistry (2004-2009)

Assistant Professor of Chemistry (1998-2004)

Administrative positions:

Program Director, HHMI-Southwestern Inquiry Initiative (2013-present)

Program Co-Director, HHMI Southwestern Inquiry Initiative (2012-2013)

Program Director, Science Training and Education Program at Southwestern (STEPS, 2010-2013)